The Arc's Individual of the Quarter - January - March 2012

Chrystal Scholes has been employed for two years by the Brockport Auxiliary Corporation as a Kitchen Aide at Brockway Hall at the Brockport College. Chrystal was recently recognized by her employer for demonstrating BASC core values. Chrystal was recommended by her unit manager Cathy Legacy. Cathy stated that Chrystal is a great example of a team player.  Chrystal comes to work every day with a smile and a good attitude and is always ready to give 100% of her energy to a very difficult job. Chrystal has had perfect attendance and can always be counted on to do an excellent job. She truly cares about her work and takes pride in it. Chrystal received a pin for all her hard work and for being a role model to the students and for her teamwork. 

Chrystal’s favorite part of working at Brockway Hall is all the people she gets to work with and meet.  She is the most cheerful person and the students love to wash dishes with her.  Chrystal is truly an inspiration to us all!

If you see Chrystal, please tell her congratulations for a job well done! 

The Arc of Orleans County Receives NYSARC Trust Grant

The Arc recently received a $5,000 grant from the NYSARC Trust.  This grant will provide funding for recreational opportunities for the individuals we serve.  This is the second year that this funding has been provided by the NYSARC Trust.

Thank you to NYSARC for your support of The Arc of Orleans County and the other NYSARC Chapters! 

If you are interested in learning more about NYSARC go to: http://www.nysarc.org/.

The Arc'c 32nd Annual Best Friend Dinner

Thank you to everyone who came out to support and celebrate the individuals we serve, volunteers, and business partners at our 32^nd Annual Best Friend Dinner.  The evening was a great success! 

Please see below for our list of award winners.

2011 Best Friend -The Batt Family

Community Worker of the Year - Joseph Barchet

Mobile Crew Worker of the Year - Dolores Kraatz

Enclave Worker of the Year - Brandon Kirk

Amber L. Wolfe Memorial Worker of the Year - Gregory Baldwin

Self-Advocate of the Year - Dorinda Starkweather

Community Service Award - Sienna Garcia-Mathewson

Heritage Award - Case-Nic Cookies

Business Partnership Award - Albion Redemption Center

Your support of the individuals we serve and The Arc is truly appreciated!

Community Job Fair Scheduled for April 26th

COMMUNITY JOB FAIR
Connect with your new employer!
Thursday, April 26, 2012
9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
American Legion Hall
131 South Main Street, Albion NY

30+ local employers
and agencies

Lunch available at
reasonable prices.

Sponsored by:
Career Ventures of The Arc of Orleans County
(585) 589-0305
and
Community Action of Orleans & Genesee
(585) 589- 5605

Employment Listing - 4/20/12 Self Determination Assistant

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT


POSITION: SELF DETERMINATION ASSISTANT
PART TIME CATEGORY II – UP TO 17 HOURS PER WEEK

REPORTS TO: PERSON WE SERVE AND GUARDIAN

LOCATION: ADDRESS OF RESIDENCE

DUTIES: Provide support and assistance for participation in inclusive community activities and in independent living skills. Hours to vary based on needs of person served. Must have valid NYS driver’s license and meet agency guidelines.

QUALIFICATIONS:
KNOWLEDGE OF INFORMATION AND TECHNIQUES REQUIRED TO PROVIDE INSTRUCTION, SUPPORT AND ASSISTANCE IN COMMUNITY INTEGRATION AND VOLUNTEER PLACEMENTS AND IN INDEPENDENT LIVING SKILLS. ABILITY TO BE AWARE AND UNDERSTAND REACTIONS OF OTHER PEOPLE. ABILITY TO WORK INDEPENDENTLY, GOOD COMMUNICATION, WRITTEN & ORGANIZATIONAL SKILLS ARE REQUIRED. MUST HAVE A VALID NYS DRIVERS LICENSE AND MUST MEET THE AGENCY MOTOR VEHICLE GUIDELINES. MUST ALSO BE ABLE TO MEET CHILD ABUSE CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS AND ALL REQUIRED TRAINING.


STARTING RATE: $11.00 PER HOUR

Interested Candidates should submit a resume by 4/27/12 to:
Carol S. Fox
Human Resources Office
The Arc of Orleans County
P.O. Box 439
Albion, NY 14411

e-mail: cfox@arcoforleans.org Fax: (585) 589-5669

The Arc of Orleans County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Posted: 4/20/12

Do You Have Picky Eaters in Your House?

Family Meeting
April 24 from 3:30-4:30
At Batavia Rainbow Preschool
Picky Eaters!

Guest speakers from Cornell Cooperative Extension will be sharing tips and answering questions.

Please call 344-4404 to let us know how many children you are bringing so we have enough staff.
We would love to see you at there- 45 Liberty Street, Batavia, NY!

Thank You For Your Support!

Thank you to everyone who came out to support our Spaghetti Dinner which benefited the Meals on Wheels Program. Your support is truly appreciated and helped make it a very successful event.

A very special thank you to the volunteers from JP Morgan Chase & Co.!
You're support of our community is amazing!

Mark Your Calendar for this Thursday, April 12th!

Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser to benefit The Arc of Orleans County's Nutri-Fair/Meals on Wheels Program

• Thursday, April 12th 4:30 to 7:00 PM
  


• 16 East Academy St, Albion - south side (Old Grammar School)



• Unlimited Spaghetti !! 50/50 Raffle!! Take outs available



• Tickets are available at the door - only $8 for adults and $5.00 for children under 10



• Take Outs Available!
  

Call the Nutrition Program at 589-7817 for more ticket information.

Employment Listing - 4/9/12 Vocational Training Assistant

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

POSITION: VOCATIONAL TRAINING ASSISTANT –REGULAR FULL TIME
AT DAY HAB OPTS


REPORTS TO: DAY HAB MANAGER - JULIE SOLIS

LOCATION: 16 ACADEMY ST – ALBION

DUTIES: Provides direct hands on supervision, training and counseling to people with disabilities in a variety of vocational & community settings.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Working level knowledge of people with disabilities, provide supervision, training, support of daily living skills and activities to people with disabilities in vocational/community settings. Ability to deal with people at all organizational levels, good administrative, organizational, problem solving, must be able to complete required trainings and oral & written communication skills required. Must be capable of lifting 40 lbs. Need a valid NYS drivers license.


STARTING RATE: Grade 7DC - $9.10/hr.

Vocational Training/Community Living Assistants who are currently paid at grade 9, will continue to be paid at grade 9.


Interested candidates should submit a resume by 4/16/12 to the Human Resources Department.

The Arc of Orleans County
ATTN: Carol Fox
122 Caroline Street
P.O. Box 439
Albion, NY 14411

E-mail: cfox@arcoforleans.org
Fax: (585) 589 - 5669

THE ARC OF ORLEANS COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

Posted: 4/9/12

Employment Listing - 4/6/12 Camp Lifeguard

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT


POSITION: CAMP LIFEGUARD – 32.5 HRS./WK.
DURING 5 WEEKS OF CAMP JULY-AUG



REPORTS TO: AQUATIC DIRECTOR


LOCATION: CAMP RAINBOW


DUTIES: ASSIST CAMP AQUATICS DIRECTOR WITH PLANNING, INSTRUCTION AND SUPERVISION OF SWIMMING ACTIVITIES.

QUALIFICATIONS:

MUST BE CERTIFIED AS A LIFEGUARD AND IN FIRST AID & CPR. EXPERIENCE WITH CHILDREN OR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES PREFERRED. MUST BE AT LEAST 17 YEARS OF AGE. MUST MEET DEPT OF HEALTH LIFEGUARD FOR CHILDRENS DAY CAMP.

SALARY: $7.51/HR


INTERESTED CANDIDATES SHOULD SUBMIT A RESUME BY: 4/13/12


TO: Carol Fox, Human Resources Manager
The Arc of Orleans County
122 Caroline Street
Albion, NY 14411

FAX: 589-5669 EMAIL: cfox@arcoforleans.com

The Arc Orleans County is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Posted: 4/6/12

Employment Listing - 4/6/12 Camp Counselor

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT


POSITION: CAMP COUNSELOR– 32.5 HRS./WK.
DURING 5 WEEKS OF CAMP JULY-AUG



REPORTS TO: CAMP TEACHER


LOCATION: CAMP RAINBOW


DUTIES: RESPONSIBLE FOR SUPERVISION OF CAMPERS, INCLUDING GENERAL HEALTH AND SAFETY. ACTIVELY ENGAGE IN ACTIVITIES WITH CAMPERS AND ENCOURAGE THEIR PARTICIPATION TO THE BEST OF THEIR ABILITY.

QUALIFICATIONS:

KNOWLEDGE IN MUSIC, ARTS, CARAFTS, ATHELTICS, SCIENCE AND NATURE PREFERRED. EXPERIENCE WITH CHILDREN OR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES PREFERRED. MUST BE AT LEAST 16 YEARS OF AGE.

SALARY: $7.51/HR


INTERESTED CANDIDATES SHOULD SUBMIT A RESUME BY: 4/13/12


TO: Carol Fox, Human Resources Manager
The Arc of Orleans County
122 Caroline Street
Albion, NY 14411

FAX: 589-5669 EMAIL: cfox@arcoforleans.com

The Arc Orleans County is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Posted: 4/6/12

Employment Listing - 4/6/12 Teacher Aide

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT


POSITION: TEACHER AIDE– PART TIME II – 3 POSITIONS OPEN
2 POSITIONS ARE M-F AM 15 HRS/WK EACH
1 POSITION IS M-F PM 15 HRS/WK


REPORTS TO: SHARI PERZIA - MANAGING TEACHER


LOCATION: RAINBOW PRESCHOOL - BATAVIA SITE


DUTIES: Under moderate supervision, assists in the planning and implementation of activities for young children in a classroom setting. Is directly responsible to the classroom teacher.


QUALIFICATIONS:

Related work experience preferred. Ability to deal with people at all organizational levels, especially young children; and good administrative, planning, organizational and oral & written communications skills are required. Ability to follow specific instructions, lift and carry 40 pounds in order to carry children and equipment. Works well independently, as well as in a team atmosphere. Must be a team player.


STARTING RATE: Grade 3 - $7.62 per hour.

Interested candidates should submit a resume by 4/13/12 to:
Carol S. Fox
Human Resource Manager
122 Caroline Street
Albion, NY 14411

E-MAIL: cfox@arcoforleans.org FAX: (585) 589 - 5669

The Arc of Orleans County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Posted 4/6/12

Employment Listing - 4/6/12 Community Living Assistant

Vacancy Announement



POSITION: COMMUNITY LIVING ASSISTANT – REGULAR FULLTIME


REPORTS TO: COMMUNITY LIVING MANAGER – KATIE LOPEZ


LOCATION: STORK STREET – MEDINA


DUTIES: Provides program participants with support and training in independent living skills, such as meal planning and preparation, home maintenance, money management, etc.


QUALIFICATIONS: Good math & writing skills. Must have a valid NYS driver’s license. Must be capable of completing SCIP, CPR, First Aide and other trainings as required.


STARTING RATE: Grade 7DC - $9.10/hr.

Interested candidates should submit a resume by 4/13/12 to:

Human Resources Office
The Arc of Orleans County
P.O. Box 439
Albion, NY 14411

e-mail: cfox@arcoforleans.org Fax: (585) 589-5669

The Arc of Orleans County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.



Posted: 4/6/12

The Arc Gives Back

(Pictured left to right: Kellie Spychalski, Executive Director of The Arc of Orleans County; Ed Fancher, Executive Director of Community Action of Orleans & Genesee)

As one of the chapters of NYSARC, Inc., The Arc of Orleans County took part in the NYSARC Gives Back initiative. President’s Project Week took place the week of March 25th and the goal was to have all the NYSARC Chapters participate in a volunteer program in our community during that week.

The Arc of Orleans County had initiated a drive to collect personal care items, household supplies and pet food items for donation to Community Action of Orleans & Genesee. A total of 455 items were dropped off to Ed Fancher, Executive Director of Community Action. These items were donated by staff, volunteers and the people that are served by The Arc to assist people in our community who are in need.

April is Autism Awareness Month

Learn the Signs of Autism

Research now suggests that children as young as 1 year old can show signs of autism. The most important thing you can do as a parent or caregiver is to learn the early signs of autism and understand the typical developmental milestones your child should be reaching at different ages. Please look over the following list. If you have any concerns about your child's development, don't wait. Speak to your doctor about screening your child for autism. While validated screening for autism starts only as young as 16 months, the best bet for younger children is to have their development screened at every well visit with a highly validated developmental screening tool. If your child does have autism, early intervention may be his or her best hope.

(The following red flags may indicate a child is at risk for atypical development, and is in need of an immediate evaluation.)

In clinical terms, there are a few “absolute indicators,” often referred to as “red flags,” that indicate that a child should be evaluated. For a parent, these are the “red flags” that your child should be screened to ensure that he/she is on the right developmental path. If your baby shows any of these signs, please ask your pediatrician or family practitioner for an immediate evaluation:

• No big smiles or other warm, joyful expressions by six months or thereafter


• No back-and-forth sharing of sounds, smiles, or other facial expressions by nine months or thereafter


• No babbling by 12 months


• No back-and-forth gestures, such as pointing, showing, reaching, or waving by 12 months


• No words by 16 months


• No two-word meaningful phrases (without imitating or repeating) by 24 months


• Any loss of speech or babbling or social skills at any age

*This information has been provided by First Signs, Inc. ©2001-2005. Reprinted with permission. For more information about recognizing the early signs of developmental and behavioral disorders, please visit http://www.firstsigns.org or the Centers for Disease Control at www.cdc.gov/actearly.

Abigail Sarkis Named February 2012 Rainbow Preschool Student of the Month

Abigail Sarkis was named the February 2012 Student of the Month! She was given this award because she has improved in so many ways over this past year - and she gives great hugs, too!

Abigail enjoys dancing to music, listening to stories, under the table coloring, and playing with her friends. Last year Abigail would shy away from others and become upset if anyone came near her and refuse to participate in physical activities. Now, with a smile as bright as her blond curly hair, Abigail is more comfortable with those around her, tries new physical activities, and does not need hand over hand assistance because she is willing to try new activities independently.

Abigail surprises us every day! Just recently, Abigail received a DynaVox Maestro that has allowed her to interact with both adults and students. She is now able to use words to communicate her wants and needs. We did not think it was possible, but Abigail’s smile grew even bigger and brighter when she was having fun learning how to navigate her DynaVox and was able to find her voice through her new words. From her dancing to communicating with others, Abigail is not only growing as a student, but as an individual. She is our shining star and we are so proud of her!

Christopher Thigpen Named January Student of the month at Rainbow Preschool

Christopher Thigpen was named January 2012 Student of the Month! He received this award because he has come so far since he started services in his home two years ago!

When Christopher began therapy it was very difficult for him to attend to the ABA discrete trials (intense repetitive learning style) and very difficult for him to separate from his mom. He is now coming to Rainbow Preschool 5 days a week and stays 1 hour afterschool to do some 1:1 work with each of his therapists.

Christopher has a great spirit and sense of humor. He enjoys sensory activities, especially tactile bins and finger painting. He is becoming a great peer model for the other children in the room as well as making fast progress on all of his goals. Christopher makes sure we all do not get too serious and remember to laugh. It has been a pleasure working with him for the past 2 years and watching him grow into the strong, confident child he has become!